Wireless charging equipment, terminal, wireless charging system comprising the same, control method thereof and non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer program recorded thereon

ABSTRACT

Provided are wireless charging equipment, a terminal, a wireless charging system comprising the same, a control method thereof, and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer program recorded thereon. That is, the present invention can easily implement the present invention without a separate BLE beacon device by using the wireless charging infrastructure and improve operation efficiency of the entire wireless charging system by transmitting additional information (alternatively, specific information) to the peripheral BLE terminal for a time where the charging signal is not transmitted in the corresponding BLE by using the BLE of the resonance scheme wireless charging equipment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is the U.S. national phase of PCT Application No.PCT/KR2014/010556 filed on Nov. 5, 2014, which claims the benefit ofKorean Application Nos. 10-2014-0042045 filed on Apr. 8, 2014,10-2014-0076752 filed on Jun. 23, 2014, 10-2014-0076777 filed on Jun.23, 2014 and 10-2014-0077414 filed on Jun. 24, 2014 with the KoreanIntellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to wireless charging equipment, aterminal, a wireless charging system comprising the same, a controlmethod thereof, and a non-transitory computer readable storage mediumhaving computer program recorded thereon.

2. Description of the Related Art

Wireless charging equipment (alternatively, a wireless powertransmitting unit) is a power transferring device which wirelesslytransfers power required for an electronic device.

The wireless charging equipment communicates with a terminal adjacent tothe corresponding wireless charging equipment, and the correspondingwireless charging equipment transmits a charging signal to thecorresponding terminal, the terminal charges a battery provided in thecorresponding terminal based on the charging signal, and thus, there isan inefficient aspect in that services other than a battery chargingfunction cannot be provided.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide wireless chargingequipment, a terminal, a wireless charging system comprising the same, acontrol method thereof, and a non-transitory computer readable storagemedium having computer program recorded thereon for transmittingadditional information via BLE in the A4WP (Alliance for Wireless Power)wireless charging system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide wireless chargingequipment, a terminal, a wireless charging system comprising the same, acontrol method thereof, and a non-transitory computer readable storagemedium having computer program recorded thereon for broadcastingadditional information by the wireless charging equipment throughBluetooth Low Energy while not transmitting powers.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide wirelesscharging equipment, a terminal, a wireless charging system comprisingthe same, a control method thereof, and a non-transitory computerreadable storage medium having computer program recorded thereon forimproving operation efficiency by collecting information on the terminalthrough Bluetooth low energy (BLE) in wireless charging to transmit thecollected information to the service providing device.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide wirelesscharging equipment, a terminal, a wireless charging system comprisingthe same, a control method thereof, and a non-transitory computerreadable storage medium having computer program recorded thereon forperforming the update function for the firmware installed in theterminal by interlocking with the service providing device by theterminal, when the predetermined event corresponding to a case wherethere is no terminal operation for a predetermined time while theterminal is charging through the wireless charging equipment, a casewhere the terminal enters into a standby state, a case corresponding toimmediately after the charging starts according to the predetermined setinformation, and the like, occurs.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide wirelesscharging equipment, a terminal, a wireless charging system comprisingthe same, a control method thereof, and a non-transitory computerreadable storage medium having computer program recorded thereon fordividing the entire power providable in the wireless charging equipmentinto the plurality of channels, allocating one or more channelscorresponding to the class information of the corresponding terminalamong the plurality of channels divided based on the predetermined classinformation with respect to the terminal to perform the chargingfunction through the corresponding wireless charging equipment, andproviding the power (alternatively, the wireless charging intensity)corresponding to one or more allocated channels to the correspondingterminal, in the wireless charging equipment and one or more terminalscommunicating through the BLE additionally defined in the A4WP schemewireless charging.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide wirelesscharging equipment, a terminal, a wireless charging system comprisingthe same, a control method thereof, and a non-transitory computerreadable storage medium having computer program recorded thereon forsetting the power (alternatively, the wireless charging intensity) foreach terminal based on the class information set for each terminal withrespect to the plurality of terminals to perform the charging functionthrough the wireless charging equipment and providing the set power toeach corresponding terminal.

According to an aspect of the present invention, wireless chargingequipment includes: a communication unit configured to communicate basedon a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) scheme; and a control unit configured tocontrol the communication unit to verify the number of terminalsconnected to the wireless charging equipment including the communicationunit, verify a standby time period when the charging signal is nottransmitted to the terminal connected to the wireless charging equipmentin a time slot based on the verified number of terminals, and transmit abeacon signal including additional information based on the verifiedstandby time period by a broadcasting method.

Preferably, the control unit may predict the standby time period whenthe charging signal is not transmitted to the terminal connected to thewireless charging equipment based on the verified number of terminals.

Preferably, the additional information may include coupon informationand product information in a store where the wireless charging equipmentis installed.

Preferably, the control unit may control the communication unit toverify a time period when the beacon signal including the additionalinformation is transmittable in the standby time period and transmit thebeacon signal to the terminal at the verified time period when thebeacon signal is transmittable.

Preferably, the control unit may control the communication unit totransmit the beacon signal to the terminal connected to the wirelesscharging equipment.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a terminalincludes: a communication unit configured to communicate based on a BLEscheme and transmit a charging signal transmission request signal towireless charging equipment at a predetermined time interval; and acontrol unit configured to charge a battery based on a charging signaltransmitted from the wireless charging equipment in response to thecharging signal transmission request signal, control the communicationunit to receive a beacon signal including additional informationtransmitted from the wireless charging equipment at a time period whenthe charging signal is not received other than the predetermined timeinterval, and perform an operation corresponding to the additionalinformation included in the received beacon signal.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a controlmethod of wireless charging equipment includes: communicating with oneor more terminals based on a BLE scheme by means of a communicationunit; verifying the number of terminals connected to the wirelesscharging equipment including the communication unit by means of acontrol unit; verifying a standby time period when a charging signal isnot transmitted to the terminal connected to the wireless chargingequipment in a time slot based on the verified number of terminals bymeans of the control unit; and controlling the communication unit totransmit a beacon signal including additional information based on theverified standby time period by a broadcasting method by means of thecontrol unit.

Preferably, the controlling of the communication unit to transmit thebeacon signal may include: verifying a time period when the beaconsignal is transmittable in the verified standby time period by means ofthe control unit; and controlling the communication unit to transmit thebeacon signal to the terminal connected to the wireless chargingequipment at the verified time period when the beacon signal istransmittable, respectively.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a controlmethod of a terminal includes: communicating with wireless chargingequipment based on a BLE scheme and transmitting a charging signaltransmission request signal to the wireless charging equipment at apredetermined time interval by means of a communication unit; charging abattery based on a charging signal transmitted from the wirelesscharging equipment in response to the charging signal transmissionrequest signal by means of a control unit; receiving a beacon signalincluding additional information transmitted from the wireless chargingequipment at a time period when the charging signal is not receivedother than the predetermined time interval by means of the communicationunit; and performing an operation corresponding to the additionalinformation included in the received beacon signal by means of thecontrol unit.

According to still yet another aspect of the present invention, acomputer program executing the methods according to the aforementionedembodiments may be stored in a non-transitory computer readable storagemedium having a computer program recorded thereon.

According to still yet another aspect of the present invention, awireless charging system includes: a terminal configured to bewirelessly charged by an alliance for wireless power (A4WP) scheme; andwireless charging equipment configured to verify a standby time periodwhen the charging signal is not transmitted to the terminal in a timeslot based on the verified number of terminals and transmit a beaconsignal including additional information based on the verified standbytime period by a broadcasting method.

According to still yet another aspect of the present invention, wirelesscharging equipment includes: a communication unit including a firstcommunication means communicating based on a BLE scheme; and a controlunit configured to control the communication unit to verify terminalsconnected to the wireless charging equipment including the communicationunit and collect terminal information of the verified terminals.

According to still yet another aspect of the present invention, aterminal includes: a communication unit configured to communicate withwireless charging equipment based on a BLE scheme; a battery configuredto be charged based on a charging signal transmitted from the wirelesscharging equipment; and a control unit configured to control thecommunication unit to communicate with the service providing device,control the communication unit to transmit a firmware versioninformation request signal to the service providing device, control thecommunication unit to receive a firmware version information responsesignal transmitted from the service providing device in response to thetransmitted firmware version information request signal, and determinewhether to perform an update function for the firmware installed in theterminal based on the received firmware version information responsesignal, when any one of a case where there is no terminal operation fora predetermined time while the terminal is charging through the wirelesscharging equipment, a case where the terminal including thecommunication unit enters into a predetermined standby state, and a casecorresponding to immediately after the charging starts according to thepredetermined set information occurs.

According to still yet another aspect of the present invention, wirelesscharging equipment includes: a communication unit configured tocommunicate with a terminal based on a BLE scheme; and a control unitconfigured to verify predetermined class information for the terminal inclass information for each terminal pre-stored based on identificationinformation of the terminal, allocate one or more channels correspondingto the verified class information for the terminal in a plurality ofpre-divided channels, and provide a wireless charging function to theterminal with a wireless charging intensity corresponding to one or moreallocated channels.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possibleto easily implement the embodiment of the present invention without aseparate BLE beacon device by using a wireless charging infrastructureby transmitting additional information (alternatively, specificinformation) through the BLE additionally defined in the A4WP schemewireless charging.

Further, it is possible to improve operation efficiency of the entirewireless charging system by transmitting the broadcasting signal(alternatively, additional/specific information) to the peripheral BLEterminal for a time where the charging signal is not transmitted in theBLE installed in the wireless charging equipment.

Further, it is possible to improve operation efficiency of the wirelesscharging system by collecting information on the terminal through BLE inwireless charging to transmit the collected information on the terminalto the service providing device.

Further, it is possible to enlarge an application range of the wirelesscharging system, improve convenience of the user, and perform a stableupdate by continuously receiving the power from the wireless chargingequipment in the firmware update process, by performing the updatefunction for the firmware installed in the terminal by interlocking withthe service providing device by the terminal, when the predeterminedevent corresponding to a case where there is no terminal operation for apredetermined time while the terminal is charging through the wirelesscharging equipment, a case where the terminal enters into a standbystate, a case corresponding to immediately after the charging startsaccording to the predetermined set information, and the like, occurs.

Further, it is possible to reduce power consumption cost of the wirelesscharging equipment and improve operation efficiency of the wirelesscharging system by dividing the entire power providable in the wirelesscharging equipment into the plurality of channels, allocating one ormore channels corresponding to the class information of thecorresponding terminal among the plurality of channels divided based onthe predetermined class information with respect to the terminal toperform the charging function through the wireless charging equipment,and providing the power (alternatively, the wireless charging intensity)corresponding to one or more allocated channels to the correspondingterminal, in the wireless charging equipment and one or more terminalscommunicating through the BLE additionally defined in the A4WP schemewireless charging.

Further, it is possible to charge the power for each terminal andimprove satisfaction and convenience of the user by establishing aretention service strategy for each terminal due to differentiation ofthe power supply, by setting the power (alternatively, the wirelesscharging intensity) for each terminal based on the class information setfor each terminal with respect to the plurality of terminals to performthe charging function through the wireless charging equipment andproviding the set power to each corresponding terminal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a wirelesscharging system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a data structure according to theembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates the wireless charging system according to theembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of thewireless charging system according to the embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a serviceproviding device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a wirelesscharging system according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a time slot (alternatively, a timesequence) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of a wirelesscharging system according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a message which may be displayed on aterminal while operating the wireless charging system according to thesecond embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a wirelesscharging system according to a third embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a wirelesscharging system according to a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It is noted that technical terms used in the present invention are usedto just describe a specific embodiment and do not intend to limit thepresent invention. Further, if the technical terms used in the presentinvention are not particularly defined as other meanings in the presentinvention, the technical terms should be appreciated as meaningsgenerally appreciated by those skilled in the art and should not beappreciated as excessively comprehensive meanings or excessively reducedmeanings. Further, when the technical term used in the present inventionis a wrong technical term that does not accurately express the spirit ofthe present invention, the technical term should be understood by beingsubstituted by a technical term which can be correctly understood bythose skilled in the art. In addition, a general term used in thepresent invention should be interpreted as defined in a dictionary orcontextually, and should not be interpreted as an excessively reducedmeaning.

In addition, singular expressions used in the present invention includeplurals expressions unless they have definitely opposite meanings. Inthe present invention, it should not analyzed that a term such as“comprising” or “including” particularly includes various components orvarious steps disclosed in the specification and some component or somesteps among them may not included or additional components or steps maybe further included.

In addition, terms including ordinal numbers, such as ‘first’ and‘second’, used in the present invention can be used to describe variouscomponents, but the components should not be limited by the terms. Theabove terms are used only to discriminate one component from the othercomponents. For example, a first component may be named a secondcomponent and similarly, the second component may also be named thefirst component, without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

Hereinafter, preferable exemplary embodiment of the present inventionwill be described in more detail with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. Like reference numerals refer to like elements for easyoverall understanding and a duplicated description of like elements willbe omitted.

Further, in the following description, a detailed explanation of knownrelated technologies may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring thesubject matter of the present invention. Further, it is noted that theaccompanying drawings are only for easily understanding the spirit ofthe present invention and it should not be interpreted that the spiritof the present invention is limited by the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a wirelesscharging system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the wireless charging system 10 is constitutedby wireless charging equipment 100 and a terminal 200. All theconstituent elements of the wireless charging system 10 illustrated inFIG. 1 are not required constituent elements, and the wireless chargingsystem 10 may be implemented by more constituent elements than theconstituent elements illustrated in FIG. 1 or less constituent elementstherethan. Here, the wireless charging equipment 100 and the terminal200 charge a battery provided in the corresponding terminal 200 based ona charging signal transmitted from the wireless charging equipment 100through alliance for wireless power (A4WP) scheme (alternatively, amagnetic resonance scheme). Further, the corresponding wireless chargingequipment 100 and the terminal 200 uses BLE for low power in aBluetooth.

The wireless charging equipment 100 verifies the number of one or moreterminals 200 including a connected PRU. Thereafter, the wirelesscharging equipment 100 verifies an empty time zone in which the chargingsignal is not transmitted to one or more connected terminals 200 in atime slot (alternatively, a time sequence) based on the verified numberof terminals. Thereafter, the wireless charging equipment 100 transmitsa beacon signal including additional information to one or moreterminals 200 at the verified empty time zone and the correspondingterminal 200 performs an operation corresponding to the correspondingadditional information based on the beacon signal including theadditional information transmitted from the wireless charging equipment100.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the wireless charging equipment 100(alternatively, a power transmitting unit PTU) is constituted by acommunication unit 110 and a control unit 120. All the constituentelements of the wireless charging equipment 100 illustrated in FIG. 1are not required constituent elements, and the wireless chargingequipment 100 may be implemented by more constituent elements than theconstituent elements illustrated in FIG. 1 or less constituent elementstherethan.

The communication unit 110 communicates with another terminal using aBluetooth low energy (BLE) scheme by using BLE.

Further, the communication unit 110 transmits a power beacon signal forcommunication with another terminal using the BLE scheme by a control ofthe control unit 120.

The control unit 120 executes an overall control function of thewireless charging equipment 100.

Further, the control unit 120 generates the power beacon signal at apredetermined time interval, in the A4WP scheme wireless charging.

Further, the control unit 120 transmits the generated power beaconsignal through the communication unit 110 at the predetermined timeinterval.

Further, the control unit 120 receives a control signal (alternatively,a PRU advertisement signal) transmitted from the terminal 200 receivingthe corresponding power beacon signal through the communication unit 110in response to the transmitted power beacon signal.

Further, the control unit 120 communicates with the correspondingterminal 200 adjacent to the corresponding wireless charging equipment100 based on the received control signal.

Further, the control unit 120 schedules a time for transmitting thecorresponding charging signal to one or more terminals 200 connectedwith the corresponding wireless charging equipment 100 among time slots(alternatively, time sequence/a total data transmittable time) in orderto transmit the charging signal to one or more terminals 200 connectedwith the corresponding wireless charging equipment 100.

Further, the control unit 120 controls an inductor (not illustrated) anda capacitor (not illustrated) which are included in the wirelesscharging equipment 100 to generate the charging signal. In this case,the wireless charging equipment 100 generates a charging signal forwireless charging by a resonance coupling scheme.

Further, the control unit 120 may also transmit the charging signalgenerated based on the scheduled time slot to a specific terminal in theterminals 200 connected to the corresponding wireless charging equipment100 at the predetermined time interval (for example, 250 ms).

In this case, in the case of a plurality of terminals 200 connected tothe corresponding wireless charging equipment 100, the control unit 120may individually generate a charging signal for transmitting to each ofthe plurality of terminals 200 and transmit the individually generatedcharging signal to each corresponding terminal 200. Further, in the caseof the plurality of terminals 200 connected to the correspondingwireless charging equipment 100, the control unit 120 may generate onecharging signal for transmitting to each of the plurality of terminals200 and transmit one generated charging signal to each of the pluralityof terminals 200.

Further, the control unit 120 may also transmit the charging signal tothe corresponding terminal 200 based on a control signal (alternatively,a charging signal transmission request signal) (for example, including aPRU dynamic parameter) transmitted from the terminal 200.

Further, the control unit 120 verifies (alternatively, determines) thenumber of terminals connected to the corresponding wireless chargingequipment 100.

Further, the control unit 120 verifies (alternatively,determines/predicts) an empty time period (alternatively, anidle/standby time period) without transmitting the correspondingcharging signal to one or more terminals 200 connected with thecorresponding wireless charging equipment 100 in the time slot(alternatively, the total data transmittable time) based on the verifiednumber of terminals, in order to verify a time period (alternatively, atime/time zone) without transmitting the charging signal to one or moreterminals 200 connected with the corresponding wireless chargingequipment 100.

That is, the control unit 120 verifies the remaining time period(alternatively, the empty time period/empty time zone) except for thetime of transmitting the charging signal to one or more terminals in thetime slot based on the verified number of terminals.

Further, the control unit 120 may also verify the remaining time periodwithout transmitting the charging signal in the scheduled time slotbased on the scheduled time slot.

Further, the control unit 120 generates a beacon signal includingadditional information. Here, the additional information includes couponinformation, product information, and the like in a store(alternatively, an area/a region) where the corresponding wirelesscharging equipment 100 is installed (alternatively, provided).

For example, in a data structure of an advertisement channel illustratedin FIG. 2, the control unit 120 generates the beacon signal includingthe corresponding additional information by inserting the additionalinformation to a payload region of the corresponding data structure.

Further, the control unit 120 transmits the beacon signal generatedbased on the verified empty time period to one or more terminals 200connected to the corresponding wireless charging equipment 100 throughthe communication unit 110, respectively. In this case, the control unit120 may transmit the beacon signal including the correspondingadditional information to one or more terminals 200 connected to thewireless charging equipment 100 through a data channel, an advertisingchannel, and the like which are defined in the BLE, respectively.

That is, the control unit 120 verifies a time period enough to transmitthe additional information in the verified empty time period andtransmits the beacon signal including the corresponding additionalinformation to one or more terminals 200 in the verified time periodenough to transmit the additional information. In this case, thewireless charging equipment 100 may also transmit the beacon signal by abroadcasting scheme.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the terminal 200 is constituted by a firstcommunication unit 210, a first control unit 220, and a battery 230. Allthe constituent elements of the terminal 200 illustrated in FIG. 1 arenot required constituent elements, and the terminal 200 may beimplemented by more constituent elements than the constituent elementsillustrated in FIG. 1 or less constituent elements therethan. Here, theterminal 200 includes a power receiving unit (PRU) (not illustrated).

The first communication unit 210 communicates with another terminalusing the BLE scheme by using the BLE.

Further, the first communication unit 210 receives a power beacon signaltransmitted from the wireless charging equipment 100.

The first control unit 220 executes an overall control function of theterminal 200.

Further, the first control unit 220 transmits the control signal (forexample, the PRU advertisement signal) to the wireless chargingequipment 100 through the first communication unit 210 in order torequest connection (alternatively, communication) with the correspondingwireless charging equipment 100 based on the power beacon signaltransmitted from the wireless charging equipment 100, in the A4WP schemewireless charging.

Further, the first control unit 220 establishes the connection(alternatively, communication) with the corresponding wireless chargingequipment 100 based on the transmitted control signal.

Further, the first control unit 220 transmits a control signal(alternatively, a charging signal transmission request signal) (forexample, including a PRU dynamic parameter) to the wireless chargingequipment 100 at a predetermined time interval.

Further, the first control unit 220 controls a charging signaltransmitted from the wireless charging equipment 100 to be receivedthrough the first communication unit 210 at the predetermined timeinterval. In this case, the first control unit 220 may also control thecharging signal transmitted from the wireless charging equipment 100 tobe received through the first communication unit 210 in response to theabove-transmitted control signal (for example, including the PRU dynamicparameter).

Further, the first control unit 220 charges the battery 230 based on thereceived charging signal. In this case, the terminal 220 may furtherinclude an additional constituent element for charging the correspondingbattery 230 by a resonance coupling method with the wireless chargingequipment 100.

Further, the first control unit 220 controls the beacon signal includingthe additional information transmitted from the corresponding wirelesscharging equipment 100 to be received through the first communicationunit 210 in an empty time period without transceiving the chargingsignal to the wireless charging equipment 100. Here, the additionalinformation includes coupon information, product information, and thelike in a store (alternatively, an area/a region) where thecorresponding wireless charging equipment 100 is installed(alternatively, provided).

Further, the first control unit 220 performs an operation(alternatively, a control) corresponding to the additional informationbased on the additional information included in the received beaconsignal.

Further, the first control unit 220 displays the operation performedresult on a display unit (not illustrated).

The battery 230 supplies the power to the corresponding terminal 200.

Further, the battery 230 performs a charging function based on thecharging signal transmitted from the wireless charging equipment 100 bya control of the first control unit 220.

As such, in the A4WP scheme wireless charging, the additionalinformation (alternatively, specific information) may be transmittedthrough additionally defined BLE.

Further, a broadcasting signal (alternatively, additional/specificinformation) may be transmitted to a peripheral BLE terminal at the timewhen the charging signal is not transmitted to the BLE installed in thewireless charging equipment.

FIG. 3 illustrates the wireless charging system according to theembodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 3, thewireless charging system may include the wireless charging equipment 100(alternatively, a wireless power transmitting unit), a terminal 200(alternatively, a wireless power receiving unit) receiving wirelesspower, and the service providing device 300.

The wireless charging equipment 100 as equipment for charging theterminal 200 may transmit wireless power to the terminal 200 at apredetermined distance. The wireless charging equipment 100 may sensewhether the terminal 200 exists in an area where the power may bewirelessly transmitted and transmit the wireless power to the terminal200 by an induction method or a resonance method.

Further, the wireless charging equipment 100 may collect information ofthe terminal 200 and transmit the collected terminal information to theservice providing device 300 through the communication network.

The terminal 200 as an electronic device capable of being wirelesslycharged may charge the battery 230 by receiving the wireless power fromthe wireless charging equipment 100.

In the terminal 200 described in the present invention, a mobile phone,a smart phone, a laptop computer, personal digital assistants (PDA), aportable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation system, and the like maybe included.

The terminal 200 may charge a battery based on inductive coupling fromthe wireless charging equipment 100. Alternatively, the battery may becharged based on planar wave radiation from the wireless chargingequipment 100.

The wireless charging equipment 100 may include a transmission antennafor an energy transmission means, and the terminal 200 may include areception antenna for an energy reception means.

Further, the terminal 200 may store the terminal information andtransfer the terminal information to the wireless charging equipment 100through the BLE.

A communication module for short range communication may be used betweenthe wireless charging equipment 100 and the terminal 200, and as a shortrange communication technique, Bluetooth, radio frequency identification(RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra wideband (UWB), ZigBee,or the like may be used. In the embodiment of the present invention, ashort range communication technique using the BLE will be described asan example.

To this end, the wireless charging equipment 100 and the terminal 200provide communication units, respectively.

The wireless charging equipment 100 may receive the terminal informationfrom the terminal 200 and transmit the received terminal information tothe service providing device 300 through the communication network.

The process of receiving the terminal information from the terminal 200by the wireless charging equipment 100 may be performed after a processof determining whether the terminal 200 is pre-registered and a processof agreeing to transfer the terminal information by the terminal 200according to a setting even in the non-registration.

Further, even though the terminal 200 is registered in the wirelesscharging equipment 100, in the case of performing the agreementincluding the process of agreeing to transfer the terminal information,the terminal information may be set to be received from the terminal200.

The wireless charging equipment 100 transmits power for charging theterminal 200 and receives the terminal information from the terminal 200after the terminal 200 is pre-registered or the terminal 200 agrees totransfer the terminal information even though the terminal 200 is notthe registered terminal to transfer the received terminal information tothe service providing device 300.

The process of receiving the terminal information from the terminal 200by the wireless charging equipment 100 may be performed through the BLE,and the process of transferring the terminal information received fromthe terminal 200 to the service providing device 300 by the wirelesscharging equipment 100 may be performed through the communicationnetwork.

The communication network may use a wired or wireless internettechnique, and as the wireless internet technique, wireless LAN (WLAN)(Wi-Fi), wireless broadband (Wibro), world interoperability formicrowave access (Wimax), high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), orthe like, may be used.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of thewireless charging system according to the embodiment of the presentinvention.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the wireless charging system according to theembodiment of the present invention is constituted by the wirelesscharging equipment 100 and the terminal 200. All the constituentelements of the wireless charging system illustrated in FIG. 4 are notrequired constituent elements, and the wireless charging system may beimplemented by more constituent elements than the constituent elementsillustrated in FIG. 4 or less constituent elements therethan.

The battery provided in the terminal 200 is charged based on thecharging signal transmitted from the wireless charging equipment 100.The wireless charging equipment 100 may collect the terminal informationfrom the terminal 200 in addition to supplying the charging power to theterminal 200. To this end, the wireless charging equipment 100 and theterminal 200 may include communication units using BLE for low power inBluetooth, respectively.

One wireless charging equipment 100 may supply power for wirelesscharging to a plurality of terminals 200.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the wireless charging equipment 100(alternatively, a power transmitting unit PTU) is constituted by acommunication unit 110 and a control unit 120.

The communication unit 110 communicates with the terminal 200 using aBLE scheme by using Bluetooth low energy (BLE). The communication unit110 may receive user information from the terminal 200 by using the BLE.Further, the communication unit 110 separately includes a communicationmeans transmitting the user information to the service providing device300 through the communication network in addition to the BLEcommunication means for receiving the user information from the terminal200.

The control unit 120 executes an overall control function of thewireless charging equipment 100. In detail, the control unit 120 maycontrol processes of supplying power to the terminal 200 adjacent to thecorresponding wireless charging equipment 100 based on a control signaland collecting the terminal information to control to transfer thecollected terminal information to the service providing device 300.

The control unit 120 controls an inductor (not illustrated) and acapacitor (not illustrated) which are included in the wireless chargingequipment 100 to generate the charging signal. In this case, thewireless charging equipment 100 may generate the charging signal forwireless charging by a resonance coupling scheme.

Further, the control unit 120 transmits the generated charging signal toa specific terminal among the terminals 200 connected to thecorresponding wireless charging equipment 100 at the predetermined timeinterval (for example, 250 ms).

The control unit 120 may verify the number of terminals connected to thecorresponding wireless charging equipment 100.

In this case, in the case of a plurality of terminals 200 connected tothe corresponding wireless charging equipment 100, the control unit 120may individually generate a charging signal for transmitting to each ofthe plurality of terminals 200 and transmit the individually generatedcharging signal to each corresponding terminal 200.

Further, in the case of the plurality of terminals 200 connected to thecorresponding wireless charging equipment 100, the control unit 120 maygenerate one charging signal for transmitting to each of the pluralityof terminals 200 and transmit one generated charging signal to each ofthe plurality of terminals 200.

Further, the control unit 120 may also transmit the charging signal tothe corresponding terminal 200 based on a control signal (alternatively,a charging signal transmission request signal) (for example, including aPRU dynamic parameter) transmitted from the terminal 200.

Further, the control unit 120 controls the charging signal to betransmitted to one or more terminals 200 connected with thecorresponding wireless charging equipment 100 and simultaneously, maycollect the terminal information from the terminal 200.

The terminal information may include information collected through thecharging function of the wireless charging equipment 100 such as a placefor wireless charging, a time for wireless charging, a chargingfrequency, the number of terminals which are simultaneously charged inorder to determine dense population, terminals charged frequently on awireless charging history together, and a charging amount of theterminal, and personal information such as gender and age of the user ofthe terminal 200.

Whether the information which may be collected through the chargingfunction and the personal information are supplied to the wirelesscharging equipment 100 may vary according to a setting.

The wireless charging equipment 100 may transfer the collectedinformation to the service providing device 300 through thecommunication network.

The communication network may use a wired or wireless internettechnique, and as the wireless internet technique, wireless LAN (WLAN)(Wi-Fi), wireless broadband (Wibro), world interoperability formicrowave access (Wimax), high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), orthe like, may be used.

The terminal 200 includes a power receiving unit (PRU) (not illustrated)and includes a first communication unit 210, a first control unit 220, abattery 230, and a memory 240.

The first communication unit 210 communicates with the wireless chargingequipment 100 using the BLE scheme by using the BLE. Further, the firstcommunication unit 210 communicates with another terminal.

The first control unit 220 executes an overall control function of theterminal 200. Further, the first control unit 220 controls a chargingsignal transmitted from the wireless charging equipment 100 to bereceived at the predetermined time interval. In this case, the firstcontrol unit 220 controls the charging signal transmitted from thewireless charging equipment 100 to be received in response to the abovetransmitted control signal.

Accordingly, the battery 230 is charged based on the received chargingsignal. In this case, the terminal 220 may further include an additionalconstituent element for charging the corresponding battery 230 by aresonance coupling method with the wireless charging equipment 100.

Further, the first control unit 220 controls a signal including theterminal information transmitted from the corresponding wirelesscharging equipment 100 to be received through the first communicationunit 210, while transceiving the charging signal to the wirelesscharging equipment 100.

Here, the terminal information may include information collected throughthe charging function of the wireless charging equipment 100 such as aplace for wireless charging, a time for wireless charging, a chargingfrequency, the number of terminals which are simultaneously charged inorder to determine dense population, terminals charged frequently on awireless charging history together, and a charging amount of theterminal, and personal information such as gender and age of the user ofthe terminal 200.

Further, the first control unit 220 displays a message representingwhether to provide a charging situation and information on a displayunit (not illustrated).

The battery 230 supplies the power to the corresponding terminal 200.Further, the battery 230 may perform a charging function based on thecharging signal transmitted from the wireless charging equipment 100 bya control of the first control unit 220.

Further, in the terminal 200 while charging, when an automatic updatefunction for a firmware installed in the corresponding terminal 200 iscompleted and the corresponding terminal 200 is rebooted, the controlunit 120 continuously performs the charging function by interlockingwith the corresponding terminal 200.

Further, the first communication unit 210 communicates with the wirelesscharging equipment 100 and the like using the BLE scheme by using theBLE.

Further, the first communication unit 210 communicates with the serviceproviding device 300 and the like by a wired/wireless communicationmethod.

Further, when a predetermined event occurs while the correspondingterminal 200 is charging through the wireless charging equipment 100,the first control unit 220 communicates with the service providingdevice 300 through the first communication unit 210. Here, thepredetermined event includes any one (alternatively, at least one) of acase where there is no terminal operation for a predetermined time, acase where the terminal 200 enters into a predetermined standby state, acase of immediately after charging starts according to predetermined setinformation, and the like.

Further, the first control unit 220 generates a firmware versioninformation request signal for the corresponding firmware required forverifying whether an update of the firmware installed in thecorresponding terminal 200 is performed. Here, the correspondingfirmware version information request signal includes a kind of firmwareinstalled in the corresponding terminal 200, version information(alternatively, firmware version information) of the firmware installedin the corresponding terminal 200, identification information of theterminal 200, and the like. In this case, the identification informationof the terminal 200 includes a mobile directory number (MDN), a mobileIP, a mobile MAC, subscriber identity module (Sim) card uniqueinformation, a serial number, and the like. Further, the identificationinformation of the terminal 200 may also include an international mobilesubscriber identity (IMSI) of a USIM provided in the terminal 200, aunique international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) of the terminal200, and the like.

Further, the first control unit 220 transmits the generated firmwareversion information request signal to the service providing device 300through the first communication unit 210.

Further, the first control unit 220 receives a firmware versioninformation response signal transmitted from the service providingdevice 300 through the first communication unit 210 in response to thetransmitted firmware version information request signal. Here, thefirmware version information response signal includes a kind of firmwareinstalled in the corresponding terminal 200, latest version informationof the corresponding firmware, identification information of theterminal 200, and the like.

Further, the first control unit 220 determines (alternatively, verifies)whether to perform an update function of the firmware installed in thecorresponding terminal 200 based on the received firmware versioninformation response signal.

That is, the first control unit 220 compares the latest versioninformation included in the received firmware version informationresponse signal with the version information of the firmware installedin the corresponding terminal 200 to determine whether the versioninformation of the firmware installed in the corresponding terminal 200maintains the latest state.

As the determined result, when it is not required to perform thefirmware update function, the first control unit 220 continuouslyperforms the charging function of the battery 230 through the wirelesscharging equipment 100.

That is, as the determined result, when the version information of thefirmware installed in the corresponding terminal 200 is the same as thelatest version information included in the received firmware versioninformation response signal, the first control unit 220 determines thatthe firmware installed in the corresponding terminal 200 is maintainedin the latest state to perform the charging function of the battery 230through the wireless charging equipment 100 without performing thefirmware update function.

Further, as the determined result, when it is required to perform thefirmware update function, the first control unit 220 performs the updatefunction for the firmware installed in the corresponding terminal 200 byinterlocking with the service providing device 300. In this case, whenperforming the firmware update function, the first control unit 220continuously performs the charging function through the wirelesscharging equipment 100 and performs the firmware update function throughthe service providing device 300 in a background state.

That is, as the determined result, when the version information of thefirmware installed in the corresponding terminal 200 is different fromthe latest version information included in the received firmware versioninformation response signal, the first control unit 220 determines thatthe firmware installed in the corresponding terminal 200 is notmaintained in the latest state to perform the charging function of thebattery 230 through the wireless charging equipment 100 and communicateswith the service providing device 300 by the first communication unit210 to perform the firmware update function in the background state.

Further, when the corresponding firmware update function is completed,the first control unit 220 stores information on the wireless chargingequipment 100 while charging in a storage unit (not illustrated) andperforms a rebooting function for the corresponding terminal 200.

Further, after performing the rebooting function, the first control unit220 communicates with the corresponding wireless charging equipment 100through the first communication unit 210 based on the information on thewireless charging equipment 100 stored in the storage unit.

Further, the control unit 220 continuously performs the chargingfunction of the battery 230 by interlocking with the re-accessedwireless charging equipment 100.

Further, the first control unit 220 displays a battery charging statethrough the wireless charging equipment 100, a firmware update statethrough the service providing device 300, and the like on the displayunit (not illustrated).

Further, when an event, such as a case where the operation for thecorresponding terminal 200 occurs while updating the firmwarepre-installed in the corresponding terminal 200 by interlocking with theservice providing device 300 and a case where the terminal 200 entersinto a predetermined operation state, occurs, the first control unit 220displays a screen for verifying whether to perform a continuous updatefunction of the firmware while updating on the corresponding displayunit and may continuously perform the update function according to userselection (alternatively, user input) selected from the displayed screenor stop (alternatively, interrupt) the update function.

Further, when the event, such as a case where the operation for thecorresponding terminal 200 occurs while updating the firmwarepre-installed in the corresponding terminal 200 by interlocking with theservice providing device 300 and a case where the terminal 200 entersinto a predetermined operation state, occurs, the first control unit 220may temporarily stop the update function of the firmware while updating.

Further, even when the charging for the corresponding battery 230 iscompleted (alternatively, stops) by interlocking between the wirelesscharging equipment 100 and the terminal 200 (alternatively, when thecorresponding terminal 200 is in a non-contact state with the wirelesscharging equipment 100), the first control unit 220 may continuouslyperform or temporarily stop the update function of the firmware whileupdating.

The battery 230 supplies the power to the corresponding terminal 200.

Further, the battery 230 performs a charging function based on thecharging signal transmitted from the wireless charging equipment 100 bya control of the first control unit 220.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the service providing device 300 isconstituted by a second communication unit 310 and a second control unit320. All of the constituent elements of the service providing device 300illustrated in FIG. 5 are not required constituent elements, and theservice providing device 300 may be implemented by more constituentelements than the constituent elements illustrated in FIG. 5 or lessconstituent elements therethan.

The second communication unit 310 communicates with the terminal 200 bya wired/wireless communication method.

Further, the second communication unit 310 receives the firmware versioninformation request signal generated from the corresponding terminal 200to be transmitted to the service providing device 300 when apredetermined event including a case where there is no terminaloperation for a predetermined time, a case where the terminal 200 entersinto the predetermined standby state, a case of immediately after thecharging starts according to the predetermined set information, and thelike occurs. Here, the corresponding firmware version informationrequest signal includes a kind of firmware installed in thecorresponding terminal 200, version information (alternatively, firmwareversion information) of the firmware installed in the correspondingterminal 200, identification information of the terminal 200, and thelike.

The second control unit 320 executes an overall control function of theservice providing device 300.

Further, the second control unit 320 transmits a firmware versioninformation response signal to the corresponding terminal 200 throughthe second communication unit 310 in response to the received firmwareversion information request signal. Here, the firmware versioninformation response signal includes a kind of firmware installed in thecorresponding terminal 200, latest version information of thecorresponding firmware, identification information of the terminal 200,and the like.

Further, in the case of requesting the firmware update in thecorresponding terminal 200 by the firmware version information responsesignal transmitted to the terminal 200, the second control unit 320updates the pre-installed firmware in the corresponding terminal 200 byinterlocking with the corresponding terminal 200. In this case, whenupdating the firmware installed in the terminal 200 by interlockingbetween the service providing device 300 and the terminal 200, thecorresponding terminal 200 continuously performs the charging functionthrough the wireless charging equipment 100 and performs the updatefunction for the firmware installed in the corresponding terminal 200 inthe background state.

Further, the second control unit 320 verifies (alternatively, manages)whether the firmware update function for the corresponding terminal 200is normally completed by transmitting and receiving the information toand from the terminal 200.

In the embodiment of the present invention, it is described that thefunction of determining whether to update the firmware pre-installed inthe terminal 200 is performed in the corresponding terminal 200, but isnot limited thereto. The service providing device 300 determines whetherto update the firmware by comparing the latest version information ofthe corresponding firmware pre-stored (alternatively, registered) in theservice providing device 300 with the version information of thefirmware installed in the corresponding terminal 200 included in thefirmware version information request signal transmitted from theterminal 200 to the service providing device 300 and may update thefirmware installed in the corresponding terminal 200 by interlockingbetween the service providing device 300 and the terminal 200 in thecase where the firmware update is required as the determined result.

As such, when the predetermined event, such as the case where there isno terminal operation for a predetermined time, the case where theterminal enters into the predetermined standby state, and the casecorresponding to immediately after the charging starts according to thepredetermined set information, occurs, the terminal may perform theupdate function for the firmware installed in the terminal byinterlocking with the service providing device.

When the terminal 200 adjacent to the wireless charging equipment 100performs the wireless charging through the corresponding wirelesscharging equipment 100, the wireless charging equipment 100 verifiespredetermined class information for the corresponding terminal 200 basedon the identification information of the corresponding terminal 200.Thereafter, the wireless charging equipment 100 allocates one or morechannels corresponding to the verified class information among aplurality of channels pre-divided based on the verified classinformation. Thereafter, the wireless charging equipment 100 providesthe wireless charging function to the corresponding terminal 200 with awireless charging intensity corresponding to one or more allocatedchannels.

Further, the control unit 120 transmits the corresponding power beaconsignal through the communication unit 110 at a predetermined timeinterval only within a store (alternatively, an area/region) where thecorresponding wireless charging equipment 100 is provided and does nottransmit the power beacon signal to the terminal which is not positionedin the store, but positioned in a transmittable radius for the signal ofthe wireless charging equipment 100.

That is, the control unit 120 determines whether the terminal 200 entersthe store where the corresponding wireless charging equipment 100 isinstalled and transmits the power beacon signal to only the terminal 200entering the corresponding store. Here, the control unit 120 determines(alternatively, judges/verifies) whether the terminal 200 enters thestore through a change in intensity of a Wi-Fi signal, a change inintensity of a beacon signal (alternatively, a BLE beacon signal), achange in signal intensity of the PTU provided in the wireless chargingequipment 100, and the like.

Further, the control unit 120 verifies predetermined class informationfor the corresponding terminal 200 based on the identificationinformation of the terminal 200 connected to the corresponding wirelesscharging equipment 100 (alternatively, unique information of the PRUincluded in the corresponding terminal 200). Here, the predeterminedclass information for the corresponding terminal 200 may be informationset by the service providing device (not illustrated) based on motionaccumulated in one or more stores pre-set by the corresponding terminal200, region movement information in the store, product purchase historyinformation in the store, and the like.

That is, as listed in the following Table 1, the control unit 120verifies class information corresponding to the identificationinformation of the connected terminal 200 in pre-stored classinformation for each terminal. In this case, in the case where there isno class information corresponding to the identification information ofthe corresponding terminal 200 in the pre-stored class information foreach terminal, the control unit 120 sets (alternatively,verifies/matches) the class of the corresponding terminal 200 as apredetermined minimum class.

TABLE 1 Terminal name (identification information of terminal) FirstSecond N-th terminal terminal . . . terminal Class C S . . . A

Further, the control unit 120 generates a plurality of channels(alternatively, a power transmission capacity) by dividing the entirepower providable from the corresponding wireless charging equipment 100into predetermined minimum power units (alternatively, predeterminedpower units).

For example, when the entire scale of the power (alternatively, a powersource) supplied to the wireless charging equipment 100 from a powersource line (not illustrated) is 1,000 mA, the control unit 120generates 18 channels by dividing the entire providable power (forexample, the entire scale of 1,000 mA−100 mA of power required fordriving=900 mA) which is the remaining power except for the power (forexample, 100 mA which is 10% of the entire scale) required for driving(alternatively, controlling) of the corresponding wireless chargingequipment 100 into 50 mA as the predetermined minimum power unit.

Further, the control unit 120 may set the number of terminals acceptablein the corresponding wireless charging equipment 100.

Further, the control unit 120 sets the number of use channels for eachclass information.

That is, as listed in the following Table 2, the control unit 120 setsthe number of use channels for each predetermined class (for example,classes C to S).

TABLE 2 Class S A B C Number of use Four Three Two One channels channelschannels channels channel

Further, the control unit 120 allocates one or more channelscorresponding to the predetermined class information with respect to thecorresponding terminal 200 verified above among the plurality ofpre-divided channels (alternatively, channels having the number of usechannels corresponding to the predetermined class information withrespect to the corresponding terminal 200).

Further, the control unit 120 provides the wireless charging function tothe corresponding terminal 200 with the wireless charging intensity(alternatively, wireless charging sensitivity) corresponding to one ormore allocated channels.

Further, the first control unit 220 transmits a control signal (forexample, a PRU advertisement signal) to the wireless charging equipment100 through the first communication unit 210 in order to requestconnection (alternatively, communication) with the correspondingwireless charging equipment 100 based on the power beacon signaltransmitted from the wireless charging equipment 100, in the A4WP schemewireless charging. Here, the PRU advertisement signal includes uniqueinformation (alternatively, a sharing ID) of the PRU included in thecorresponding terminal 200, version information of the correspondingPRU, a manufacturing number of the corresponding PRU, identificationinformation of the corresponding terminal 200, and the like. In thiscase, the identification information of the terminal 200 includes anMDN, a mobile IP, a mobile MAC, Sim card unique information, a serialnumber, and the like. Further, the identification information of theterminal 200 may also include an IMSI of a USIM provided in the terminal200, a unique IMEI of the terminal 200, and the like.

Further, the first control unit 220 charges the battery 230 with thewireless charging intensity provided from the wireless chargingequipment 100 by the number of channels allocated based on thepredetermined class information corresponding to the terminal 200(alternatively, the identification information of the terminal 200).

As such, in the wireless charging equipment and one or more terminalscommunicating through the BLE additionally defined in the A4WP schemewireless charging, the entire power providable in the wireless chargingequipment is divided into the plurality of channels, one or morechannels corresponding to the class information of the correspondingterminal are allocated among the plurality of channels divided based onthe predetermined class information with respect to the terminal toperform the charging function through the corresponding wirelesscharging equipment, and the power (alternatively, the wireless chargingintensity) corresponding to one or more allocated channels may beprovided to the corresponding terminal.

Further, as such, with respect to the plurality of terminals to performthe charging function through the wireless charging equipment, the power(alternatively, the wireless charging intensity) for each terminal isset based on the class information set with respect to each terminal andthe set power may be provided for each corresponding terminal.

Hereinafter, a control method of the wireless charging system accordingto the present invention will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 1 to 11.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of the wirelesscharging system according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention.

First, in A4WP scheme wireless charging, wireless charging equipment 100(alternatively, a PTU) transmits a power beacon signal at apredetermined time interval.

Further, one or more terminals 200 including a PRU adjacent to thecorresponding wireless charging equipment 100 receive the power beaconsignal transmitted from the wireless charging equipment 100 andestablishes connection (alternatively, communication) with thecorresponding wireless charging equipment 100 based on the receivedpower beacon signal.

As an example, the wireless charging equipment 100 transmits(alternatively, propagates) the power beacon signal to a first terminaland a second terminal which include PRUs adjacent to the correspondingwireless charging equipment 100, respectively. Further, each of thefirst terminal and the second terminal receives the power beacon signaltransmitted from the wireless charging equipment 100 and communicateswith the corresponding wireless charging equipment 100 based on thereceived power beacon signal (S610).

Thereafter, the wireless charging equipment 100 verifies (alternatively,determines) the number of terminals connected to the correspondingwireless charging equipment 100. In this case, the terminal connected tothe wireless charging equipment 100 charges the battery provided in thecorresponding terminal based on the charging signal transmitted from thecorresponding wireless charging equipment 100.

As an example, the wireless charging equipment 100 verifies the firstterminal and the second terminal connected with the correspondingwireless charging equipment 100 (S620).

Thereafter, the wireless charging equipment 100 verifies (alternatively,determines/predicts) an empty time period (alternatively, anidle/standby time period) without transmitting the correspondingcharging signal to one or more terminals 200 connected with thecorresponding wireless charging equipment 100 in a time slot(alternatively, a total data transmittable time) based on the verifiednumber of terminals, in order to verify a time period (alternatively, atime/time zone) without transmitting the charging signal to one or moreterminals 200 connected with the corresponding wireless chargingequipment 100.

That is, the wireless charging equipment 100 verifies the remaining timeperiod (alternatively, the empty time period/empty time zone) except forthe time of transmitting the charging signal to one or more terminals inthe time slot based on the verified number of terminals. Here, thecharging signal is transmitted at the predetermined time interval.

As an example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the wireless charging equipment100 verifies the remaining time period 730 (alternatively, time zone)except for a time zone 721 for transmitting the charging signal to thefirst terminal and a time zone 722 for transmitting the charging signalto the second terminal in the time slot 410. In this case, the chargingsignal transmitted to the first terminal and the second terminal may betransmitted at the predetermined time interval (for example, 250 ms)(S630).

Thereafter, the wireless charging equipment 100 transmits a beaconsignal including additional information to one or more terminals 200connected with the corresponding wireless charging equipment 100 basedon the verified empty time period, respectively. Here, the additionalinformation includes coupon information, product information, and thelike in a store (alternatively, an area/region) where the correspondingwireless charging equipment 100 is installed (alternatively, provided).

That is, the wireless charging equipment 100 verifies a time periodenough to transmit the additional information in the verified empty timeperiod and transmits the beacon signal including the correspondingadditional information to one or more terminals 200 in the verified timeperiod enough to transmit the corresponding additional information. Inthis case, the wireless charging equipment 100 may also transmit thebeacon signal by a broadcasting scheme.

As an example, the wireless charging equipment 100 verifies a timeperiod 731 enough to transmit the beacon signal including the additionalinformation (for example, including the coupon information, the productinformation, and the like) in an empty time period 730 illustrated inFIG. 7 and transmits a beacon signal 740 including the correspondingadditional information by the broadcasting method in the verified timeperiod 731 (alternatively, within the verified time period 731). Thatis, when the empty time period 730 illustrated in FIG. 7 is 150 ms andan area corresponding to about 50 ms is required in order to transmitthe beacon signal including the additional information, the wirelesscharging equipment 100 transmits the beacon signal 740 including thecorresponding additional information by the broadcasting method withinthe corresponding empty time period 730 (for example, at the time whenearly 50 ms elapses in 150 ms which is the empty time period) (S640).

Thereafter, each of one or more terminals 200 receives the beacon signalincluding the additional information transmitted from the wirelesscharging equipment 100.

Further, the corresponding terminal 200 performs an operation(alternatively, a control) corresponding to the additional informationincluded in the corresponding beacon signal based on the received beaconsignal.

As an example, the terminal 200 receives the beacon signal including theadditional information (for example, including the coupon information,the product information, and the like) transmitted from the wirelesscharging equipment 100 and displays the additional information includedin the received beacon signal on the display unit (not illustrated)(S650).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of the wirelesscharging system according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a message which may bedisplayed on a terminal while operating the wireless charging systemaccording to the second embodiment of the present invention.

First, communication between the wireless charging equipment 100 and theterminal 200 is performed (S810). A wireless chargeable range of thewireless charging equipment 100 may be formed to be equal to or smallerthan a communicable range.

As a result, when the terminal 200 is positioned within the communicablerange of the wireless charging equipment 100, but positioned out of thewireless chargeable range, the wireless charging between the wirelesscharging equipment 100 and the terminal 200 is impossible.

The present invention is to transfer the information of the terminal 200collected through charging to the service providing device 300 and willbe described on the assumption that the terminal 200 is positioned inthe wireless chargeable range of the wireless charging equipment 100.

Accordingly, in step S810, the performing of the communication betweenthe wireless charging equipment 100 and the terminal 200 means that theterminal 200 is positioned in the wireless chargeable range of thewireless charging equipment 100 to simultaneously perform the wirelesscharging and the communication.

In step S810, when the communication is performed, next, whether toprovide the terminal information is verified (S820).

As illustrated in FIG. 9, in the case where the terminal 200 isregistered to agree to provide the terminal information to the wirelesscharging equipment 100 or the terminal 200 agrees to provide theterminal information even though the terminal 200 is not pre-registeredin the wireless charging equipment 100, the terminal 200 may provide thewireless charging power and simultaneously, collect the terminalinformation.

Next, the wireless charging equipment 100 supplies the charging power tothe terminal 200 and simultaneously, collects the terminal informationfrom the terminal 200 (S830). The process of collecting the terminalinformation from the terminal 200 may be performed by communicationusing the BLE scheme.

The terminal information may include information collected through thecharging function of the wireless charging equipment 100 such as a placefor wireless charging, a time for wireless charging, a chargingfrequency, the number of terminals which are simultaneously charged inorder to determine dense population, terminals charged frequently on awireless charging history together, and a charging amount of theterminal, and personal information such as gender and age of the user ofthe terminal 200.

Here, the information on the place for wireless charging may be acquiredby area information of a store (alternatively, an area/region) where thecorresponding wireless charging equipment 100 is installed(alternatively, provided).

Next, the collected terminal information is transferred to the serviceproviding device 300 through the communication network (S840). Theservice providing device 300 may receive, edit, and store the terminalinformation.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of the wirelesscharging system according to a third embodiment of the presentinvention.

First, in the case where a predetermined event occurs while the terminal200 is charging through the wireless charging equipment 100, theterminal 200 communicates with the service providing device 300. Here,the predetermined event includes a case where there is no terminaloperation for a predetermined time, a case where the terminal 200 entersinto a predetermined standby state, a case of immediately after chargingstarts according to predetermined set information, and the like.

As an example, while the terminal 200 is charging through the wirelesscharging equipment 100, when there is no operation for the terminal 200by the user for the predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes), theterminal 200 communicates with the service providing device 300 (S1010).

Thereafter, the terminal 200 generates a firmware version informationrequest signal for the corresponding firmware required for verifyingwhether to update the firmware installed in the corresponding terminal200. Here, the corresponding firmware version information request signalincludes a kind of firmware installed in the corresponding terminal 200,version information (alternatively, firmware version information) of thefirmware installed in the corresponding terminal 200, identificationinformation of the terminal 200, and the like. In this case, theidentification information of the terminal 200 includes an MDN, a mobileIP, a mobile MAC, Sim card unique information, a serial number, and thelike. Further, the identification information of the terminal 200 mayalso include an IMSI of a USIM provided in the terminal 200, a uniqueIMEI of the terminal 200, and the like.

Further, the terminal 200 transmits the generated firmware versioninformation request signal to the service providing device 300.

As an example, the terminal 200 generates the firmware versioninformation request signal including a kind of firmware installed in thecorresponding terminal 200, version information of the firmwareinstalled in the corresponding terminal 200, the identificationinformation of the terminal 200, and the like and transmits thegenerated firmware version information request signal to the serviceproviding device 300 (S1020).

Thereafter, the service providing device 300 receives the firmwareversion information request signal transmitted from the terminal 200.

Further, the service providing device 300 transmits a firmware versioninformation response signal to the terminal 200 in response to thereceived firmware version information request signal. Here, the firmwareversion information response signal includes a kind of firmwareinstalled in the corresponding terminal 200, latest version informationof the corresponding firmware, identification information of theterminal 200, and the like.

As an example, the service providing device 300 generates a firmwareversion information response signal including a kind of firmwareinstalled in the corresponding terminal 200, latest version information(for example, v.1.5) of the corresponding firmware, identificationinformation of the terminal 200, and the like in response to thereceived firmware version information request signal and transmits thegenerated firmware version information response signal to thecorresponding terminal 200 (S1030).

Thereafter, the terminal 200 receives the firmware version informationresponse signal transmitted from the service providing device 300 inresponse to the transmitted firmware version information request signal.

Further, the terminal 200 determines (alternatively, verifies) whetherto perform the update function of the firmware installed in thecorresponding terminal 200 based on the received firmware versioninformation response signal.

That is, the terminal 200 compares the version information of thefirmware installed in the corresponding terminal 200 with the latestversion information included in the received firmware versioninformation response signal to determine whether the version informationof the firmware installed in the corresponding terminal 200 ismaintained in the latest state.

As an example, the terminal 200 determines whether the versioninformation of the firmware installed in the corresponding terminal 200is equal to the latest version information (for example, v.1.5) includedin the received firmware version information response signal.

As the determined result, in the case where it is not required toperform the update function of the firmware, the terminal 200continuously performs the charging function through the wirelesscharging equipment 100.

That is, as the determined result, when the version information of thefirmware installed in the corresponding terminal 200 is the same as thelatest version information included in the received firmware versioninformation response signal, the terminal 200 determines that thefirmware installed in the corresponding terminal 200 is maintained inthe latest state to continuously perform the charging function throughthe wireless charging equipment 100 without performing the firmwareupdate function.

As an example, when the version information of the firmware installed inthe corresponding terminal 200 is the same as the latest versioninformation (for example, v.1.5) included in the received firmwareversion information response signal, the terminal 200 continuouslyperforms the charging function through the wireless charging equipment100 without performing the firmware update function (S1050).

Further, as the determined result, when it is required to perform thefirmware update function, the terminal 200 performs the update functionfor the firmware installed in the corresponding terminal 200 byinterlocking with the service providing device 300. In this case, whenperforming the firmware update function, the terminal 200 continuouslyperforms the charging function through the wireless charging equipment100 and performs the firmware update function through the serviceproviding device 300 in a background state.

That is, as the determined result, when the version information of thefirmware installed in the corresponding terminal 200 is different fromthe latest version information included in the received firmware versioninformation response signal, the terminal 200 determines that thefirmware installed in the corresponding terminal 200 is not maintainedin the latest state to perform the charging function through thewireless charging equipment 100 and perform the firmware update functionthrough the service providing device 300 in the background state.

As an example, when the version information of the firmware installed inthe corresponding terminal 200 is lower than (alternatively, differentfrom) the latest version information (for example, v.1.5) included inthe received firmware version information response signal, the terminalperforms the firmware update function in the background state.

Further, after the corresponding firmware update function is completed,the terminal 200 performs a rebooting function for the correspondingterminal 200.

Further, after performing the rebooting function, the terminal 200continuously performs the charging function by interlocking with thewireless charging equipment 100 (S1060).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of the wirelesscharging system according to a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

First, in A4WP scheme wireless charging, wireless charging equipment 200(alternatively, a PTU) transmits a power beacon signal at apredetermined time interval.

Further, a terminal 200 adjacent to the corresponding wireless chargingequipment 100 receives the power beacon signal transmitted from thewireless charging equipment 100.

Further, the terminal 200 generates a PRU advertisement signal inresponse to the power beacon signal and transmits the generated PRUadvertisement signal to the wireless charging equipment 100. Here, thePRU advertisement signal includes unique information (alternatively, asharing ID) of the PRU included in the corresponding terminal 200,version information of the corresponding PRU, a manufacturing number ofthe corresponding PRU, identification information of the correspondingterminal 200, and the like. In this case, the identification informationof the terminal 200 includes an MDN, a mobile IP, a mobile MAC, Sim cardunique information, a serial number, and the like. Further, theidentification information of the terminal 200 may also include an IMSIof a USIM provided in the terminal 200, a unique IMEI of the terminal200, and the like.

Further, the wireless charging equipment 100 receives the PRUadvertisement signal transmitted from the terminal 200 receiving thecorresponding power beacon signal in response to the transmitted powerbeacon signal.

Further, the wireless charging equipment 100 communicates with thecorresponding terminal 200 based on the received PRU advertisementsignal.

As an example, the wireless charging equipment 100 transmits(alternatively, propagates) the power beacon signal to a first terminaland a second terminal which include PRUs adjacent to the correspondingwireless charging equipment 100. Thereafter, each of the first terminaland the second terminal adjacent to the corresponding wireless chargingequipment 100 receives the power beacon signal transmitted from thewireless charging equipment 100. Thereafter, the first terminalgenerates a first PRU advertisement signal and transmits the generatedfirst PRU advertisement signal to the wireless charging equipment 100.Further, the second terminal generates a second PRU advertisement signaland transmits the generated second PRU advertisement signal to thewireless charging equipment 100. Thereafter, the wireless chargingequipment 100 receives the first PRU advertisement signal and the secondPRU advertisement signal transmitted from the first terminal and thesecond terminal in response to the transmitted power beacon signal,respectively. Thereafter, the wireless charging equipment 100communicates with the first terminal based on the received first PRUadvertisement signal. Further, the wireless charging equipment 100communicates with the second terminal based on the received second PRUadvertisement signal (S1110).

Thereafter, the wireless charging equipment 100 verifies predeterminedclass information for the corresponding terminal 200 based on theidentification information of the connected terminal 200 (alternatively,unique information of the PRU included in the corresponding terminal200). Here, the predetermined class information for the correspondingterminal 200 may be information set by the service providing device (notillustrated) based on motion accumulated in one or more stores pre-setby the corresponding terminal 200, region movement information in thestore, product purchase history information in the store, and the like.

That is, the wireless charging equipment 100 verifies the classinformation corresponding to the identification information of theconnected terminal 200 in the pre-stored class information for eachterminal. In this case, in the case where there is no class informationcorresponding to the identification information of the correspondingterminal 200 in the pre-stored class information for each terminal, thewireless charging equipment 100 sets (alternatively, verifies/matches)the class of the corresponding terminal 200 as a predetermined minimumclass.

As an example, the wireless charging equipment 100 verifies the classinformation (for example, class C) for the first terminal correspondingto the identification information of the first terminal in the classinformation for each pre-stored terminal as listed in Table 1 andverifies the class information (for example, class S) for the secondterminal corresponding to the identification information of the secondterminal (S1120).

Thereafter, the wireless charging equipment 100 allocates one or morechannels corresponding to the predetermined class information for thecorresponding terminal 200 verified in the plurality of pre-dividedchannels. Here, the plurality of channels (alternatively, the powertransmission capacity) may divide and generate the entire powerprovidable in the corresponding wireless charging equipment 100 into apredetermined minimum power unit.

That is, the wireless charging equipment 100 allocates the number ofchannels corresponding to the predetermined class information for thecorresponding terminal 200 verified in the plurality of pre-dividedchannels.

As an example, the wireless charging equipment 100 allocates one channelcorresponding to the class C which is the verified class information forthe first terminal and allocates four channels corresponding to theclass S which is the verified class information for the second terminalin the plurality of pre-divided channels as listed in Table 2. Here, theplurality of divided channels may be in a predetermined state as 50 mAwhich is each minimum unit (S1130).

Thereafter, the wireless charging equipment 100 provides the wirelesscharging function to the corresponding terminal 200 with the wirelesscharging intensity (alternatively, wireless charging sensitivity)corresponding to one or more allocated channels.

That is, the wireless charging equipment 100 provides the wirelesscharging function to the corresponding terminal 200 with the wirelesscharging intensity corresponding to the number of channels allocated tothe terminal.

As an example, the wireless charging equipment 100 provides the wirelesscharging function to the corresponding first terminal with 50 mAcorresponding to one channel set for the first terminal and provides thewireless charging function to the corresponding second terminal with 200mA (for example, four 50 mA which is the minimum unit are allocated)corresponding to four channels set for the second terminal (S1140).

Thereafter, the corresponding terminal 200 receives the wirelesscharging function provided from the wireless charging equipment 100.

As an example, the first terminal receives the wireless chargingfunction from the wireless charging equipment 100 providing the power of50 mA. Further, the second terminal receives the wireless chargingfunction from the wireless charging equipment 100 providing the power of200 mA (S1150).

The wireless charging equipment, the terminal, and the wireless chargingsystem comprising the same according to the embodiment of the presentinvention may be prepared with a computer program, and codes and codesegments configuring the computer program may easily deduced by acomputer programmer in the art. Further, the corresponding computerprogram is stored in the non-transitory computer readable storagemedium, and read and executed by the computer or the wireless chargingequipment, the terminal (alternatively, user equipment) including thePRU, and the like to implement the wireless charging equipment, theterminal, and the wireless charging system comprising the same.

The non-transitory computer readable storage medium includes a magneticstorage medium, an optical storage medium, and a carrier wave medium.The computer program implementing the wireless charging equipment, theterminal, and the wireless charging system comprising the same accordingto the embodiment of the present invention may be stored and installedin embedded memories of the wireless charging equipment, the terminal(alternatively, the user equipment) including the PRU, and the like.Alternatively, external memories of a smart card and the like whichstore and install the computer program implementing the wirelesscharging equipment, the terminal, and the wireless charging systemcomprising the same according to the embodiment of the present inventionmay be installed in the wireless charging equipment, the terminal(alternatively, the user equipment) including the PRU, and the likethrough an interface.

As described above, it is possible to easily implement the embodiment ofthe present invention without a separate BLE beacon device by using awireless charging infrastructure by transmitting additional information(alternatively, specific information) through the BLE additionallydefined in the A4WP scheme wireless charging.

Further, as described above, according to the present invention, it ispossible to improve operation efficiency of the entire wireless chargingsystem by transmitting the broadcasting signal (alternatively,additional/specific information) to the peripheral BLE terminal for atime where the charging signal is not transmitted in the BLE installedin the wireless charging equipment.

Further, as described above, according to the present invention, it ispossible to improve operation efficiency of the wireless charging systemby collecting the charging information while charging to transmit thecollected charging information to the service providing device.

Further, as described above, according to the present invention, it ispossible to enlarge an application range of the wireless chargingsystem, improve convenience of the user, and perform a stable update bycontinuously receiving the power from the wireless charging equipment inthe firmware update process, by performing the update function for thefirmware installed in the terminal by interlocking with the serviceproviding device by the terminal, when the predetermined eventcorresponding to a case where there is no terminal operation for apredetermined time while the terminal is charging through the wirelesscharging equipment, a case where the terminal enters into a standbystate, a case corresponding to immediately after the charging startsaccording to the predetermined set information, and the like, occurs.

Further, as described above, according to the present invention, it ispossible to reduce power consumption cost of the wireless chargingequipment and improve operation efficiency of the wireless chargingsystem by dividing the entire power providable in the wireless chargingequipment into the plurality of channels, allocating one or morechannels corresponding to the class information of the correspondingterminal among the plurality of channels divided based on thepredetermined class information with respect to the terminal to performthe charging function through the wireless charging equipment, andproviding the power (alternatively, the wireless charging intensity)corresponding to one or more allocated channels to the correspondingterminal, in the wireless charging equipment and one or more terminalscommunicating through the BLE additionally defined in the A4WP schemewireless charging.

Further, as described above, according to the present invention, it ispossible to charge the power for each terminal and improve satisfactionand convenience of the user by establishing a retention service strategyfor each terminal due to differentiation of the power supply, by settingthe power (alternatively, the wireless charging intensity) for eachterminal based on the class information set for each terminal withrespect to the plurality of terminals to perform the charging functionthrough the wireless charging equipment and providing the set power toeach corresponding terminal.

The present invention can be widely used in a wireless charging systemfield, an advertisement/public relations field, and the like, bytransmitting additional information (alternatively, specificinformation) to the peripheral BLE terminal for a time where thecharging signal is not transmitted in the corresponding BLE by using theBLE of the resonance scheme wireless charging equipment to easilyimplement the present invention without a separate BLE beacon device byusing the wireless charging infrastructure and improve operationefficiency of the entire wireless charging system.

Hereinabove, although the present invention is described by specificmatters such as concrete components, and the like, embodiments, anddrawings, they are provided only for assisting in the entireunderstanding of the present invention. Therefore, the present inventionis not limited to the embodiments. Various modifications and changes maybe made by those skilled in the art to which the present inventionpertains from this description.

Therefore, the spirit of the present invention should not be limited tothe above-described embodiments and the following claims as well as allmodified equally or equivalently to the claims are intended to fallwithin the scope and spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. Wireless charging equipment comprising: acommunication unit configured to communicate based on a Bluetooth lowenergy (BLE) scheme; and a control unit configured to control thecommunication unit to verify the number of terminals connected to thewireless charging equipment including the communication unit, verify astandby time period when the charging signal is not transmitted to theterminal connected to the wireless charging equipment in a time slotbased on the verified number of terminals, and transmit a beacon signalincluding additional information based on the verified standby timeperiod by a broadcasting method.
 2. The wireless charging equipment ofclaim 1, wherein the control unit predicts the standby time period whenthe charging signal is not transmitted to the terminal connected to thewireless charging equipment based on the verified number of terminals.3. The wireless charging equipment of claim 1, wherein the additionalinformation includes coupon information and product information in astore where the wireless charging equipment is installed.
 4. Thewireless charging equipment of claim 1, wherein the control unitcontrols the communication unit to verify a time period when the beaconsignal including the additional information is transmittable in thestandby time period and transmit the beacon signal to the terminal atthe verified time period when the beacon signal is transmittable.
 5. Thewireless charging equipment of claim 1, wherein the control unitcontrols the communication unit to transmit the beacon signal to theterminal connected to the wireless charging equipment.
 6. A controlmethod of wireless charging equipment comprising: communicating with oneor more terminals based on a BLE scheme by means of a communicationunit; verifying the number of terminals connected to the wirelesscharging equipment including the communication unit by means of acontrol unit; verifying a standby time period when a charging signal isnot transmitted to the terminal connected to the wireless chargingequipment in a time slot based on the verified number of terminals bymeans of the control unit; and controlling the communication unit totransmit a beacon signal including additional information based on theverified standby time period by a broadcasting method by means of thecontrol unit.
 7. The control method of claim 6, wherein the controllingof the communication unit to transmit the beacon signal includes:verifying a time period when the beacon signal is transmittable in theverified standby time period by means of the control unit; andcontrolling the communication unit to transmit the beacon signal to theterminal connected to the wireless charging equipment at the verifiedtime period when the beacon signal is transmittable, respectively.
 8. Awireless charging system comprising: a terminal configured to bewirelessly charged by an alliance for wireless power (A4WP) scheme; andwireless charging equipment configured to verify a standby time periodwhen the charging signal is not transmitted to the terminal in a timeslot based on the verified number of terminals and transmit a beaconsignal including additional information based on the verified standbytime period by a broadcasting method.